HSB 515

This bill provides that if information obtained from a review by the department of human services (DHS) of a public assistance applicant’s or recipient’s information under the bill does not result in DHS finding a discrepancy or change in the individual’s circumstances affecting eligibility, DHS shall take no further action. If the information obtained from a review of the applicant’s or recipient’s information under the bill results in DHS finding a discrepancy or a change in the individual’s circumstances affecting eligibility, DHS shall provide written notice to the individual and the opportunity to explain any issues identified. _____ law or regulation, a self-declaration by an applicant or a recipient shall not be accepted as verification of categorical and financial eligibility during such review. The notice provided to the applicant or recipient shall describe in sufficient detail the circumstances of the issue identified, the manner in which the applicant or recipient may respond, and the consequences of failing to respond to the notice or resolve the issue identified. The applicant or recipient shall be provided days to respond to the notice. DHS may request additional information as necessary to reach a decision. The bill specifies the processes and results dependent upon whether an applicant or a recipient responds by disagreeing or agreeing with the findings of a review by DHS or fails to respond. If the applicant or recipient fails to respond to the notice in a timely manner, DHS shall provide notice to terminate the applicant’s application or to discontinue the recipient’s enrollment for failure to cooperate, and shall terminate the applicant’s application or discontinue the recipient’s enrollment. The applicant’s or recipient’s eligibility for such public assistance shall not be established or reestablished until the issue has been resolved. Under the bill, DHS shall adopt administrative rules to administer the Code chapter. DHS shall submit a report to the governor and the general assembly by January 15, 2024, and by January annually thereafter through January 15, 2029, detailing the impact of the case review measures taken under the bill. DHS shall request federal approval including for any state plan amendment or waiver necessary to administer the bill, and the provisions of the bill requiring federal approval shall be implemented upon receipt of such federal approval. The provisions of the bill that do not require federal approval shall be implemented no later than July 1, 2023. _____ bill.